The Unsatisfied Beast – Your Carnal Mind
by py thomas
© November 6, 2014
Psalm 3:1-8 is King David’s prayer regarding his plight when having to flee
from his own son and his son’s co-conspirators. The back story to Psalm 3 contains a lot of family drama, which includes rape, isolation of rape
victim, fleeing the law, rebellion against the family
patriarch, murder/death of the one who avenged the rape of his sister, by
committing murder of his half brother. That is certainly enough to cause anyone
to be on their knees seeking ELOHIM. Here’s his prayer:
Adonai,
how they have increased who trouble me!
Many are they who rise up against me.
2 Many are they who say of me,
“There is no help for him in Elohim.” Selah
3 But You, O Adonai, are a shield
for me,
My glory and the One who lifts up my head.
4 I cried to Adonai with my voice,
And He heard me from His holy hill. Selah
5 I lay down and slept;
I awoke, for Adonai
sustained me.
6 I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people
Who have set themselves against me all around.
7 Arise, O Adonai;
Save me, O my Elohim!
For You have struck all my enemies on the cheekbone;
You have broken the teeth of the ungodly.
8 Salvation belongs to the Adonai.
Your blessing is upon Your people. Selah (Psalm 3:1-8)
This Psalm is a great reminder of YHVH’s
faithfulness of how mindful He is of those in covenant relationship with
Him. How many of us have ever felt a
level of betrayal from those closest to us?
Has it been to the degree that your own flesh and blood seeks your life,
or has very little concern to your personal safety or welfare? This particular account of the betrayal David
was experiencing was coming from a son
he adored, Abshalom. Yet,
his love for Abshalom did not waiver, even though his son treated him like an adversary
(enemy). Can this be said about us - even
if we are fleeing or avoiding one that is oppressing us (a family member to
boot!), can we still love them, pray for them?
Keep in mind this was not David’s first experience of betrayal
– remember, he first was being pursued by Saul, the first King of Isra’el – the
one he would ultimately replace. But David
never lifted a hand or spoke disrespectfully against ELOHIM’s anointed and appointed
authority, even though he had the opportunity to kill Saul – he did not. David waited and trusted YHVH. Many
of us would have said, “My mother didn’t raise any fools; or I’m tired of these
people in my family,; or worst yet, I’ll
handle this myself…I know how to shut them down…etc.” The temptation and challenge for Followers of
Yeshua (Jesus) the Messiah is to wait on YHVH.
It truly is not only a good thing to wait on YHVH, but it means we
understand that the answers that are for our good regarding our situation comes
from Him – and that we BELIEVE that Yeshua is truly seated at the right hand of
the Father ELOHIM, making intercession for us.
This is where the rubber meets the road in refining us and teaching us
how and why we should trust YHVH to deliver us no matter what. He did promise to never leave us, nor forsake
us. We need to believe it as David did.
The details of David’s persecution from his son and how it all
got started are found in Chapters 13
through 19 of 2 Samuel. Well worth
the read for those of you who have wrongfully suffered at the hands of family and
those closest to you.
The following are some my observations from chapters 13 through 19 of 2 Samuel,
where the account of King David,
daughter Tamar, sons Amnon and Abshalom and
a host of others is left on record for our learning and instruction. Oh that men would love YHVH’s Word, His statutes and precepts
to the point of meditating on it during
their waking moments…seeking to adorn their soul and minds with godly wisdom –
given freely to all who ask.
Observations & Considerations - Chapters 13
through 19 of 2 Samuel
·
Jonadab (King David’s nephew and amnon’s cousin) put the scheme in amnon’s head on how he could sleep with
abshalom’s sister, Tamar (see 2 Samuel 13:3-5)
·
After amnon
puts Jonadab’s plan into action to lure Tamar to his home; and then his bedroom
to rape her, we see later him in verse 32 playing
up to David to console him to let him know that all of his sons weren’t killed
by abshalom, but only amnon!
Can you believe that! Amnon was just
as responsible for amnon’s death
than Abshalom because of the evil counsel he provided amnon. However, Amnon
could have rejected the counsel – he made his choice; and rationalized his sin.
·
The anatomy of sin and spirit of the anti-Messiah
is in full swing and operating through Jonadab, (creating confusion to divert attention from the evil that is
really in operation) - and it continues.
“35 And
Jonadab said to the king, “Look, the king’s sons are coming; as your servant
said, so it is.” (2 Samuel 13:35)
·
Initially David was very angry to hear of the rape
of Tamar, but did not take action…it was his son Abshalom who would later avenge
the defilement of Tamar.
39King David then
longed to go to Abshalom, for he had been comforted concerning Amnon, because
he was dead.” (2
Samuel 13:39)
·
Joab’s best intentions were based on his concern
and loyalty to King David to set up a plan to bring Abshalom home because David
was so grieved by his leaving (see 2 Samuel 14:1-21)
– Joab had good
intentions, but what was the result of those intentions?
o
Joab enlists the help of a wise woman named Tekoa
o
Tekoa was wise enough to tell the truth when David
discerned that Joab was behind the ploy (see 2 Samuel
14:18-19)
o
Abshalom waited
two years before he avenged his sister’s rape; and after two years of his being brought back to Jerusalem by Joab, Abshalom
sent to see his father via Joab (twice), but David did not come either time. (see 2 Samuel
14:28-29)
o
Abshalom felt that Joab was not being
forthcoming in going to King David to deliver the message that he wanted to see
him. How do we know this? (See 2 Samuel
14:30-33).
o
After Joab’s fields were burned at Abshalom’s
orders, Joab figured out a way to get the King to agree to see Abshalom (self preservation and self-interest can be an effective
motivator).
o
Abshalom’s return to Jerusalem would ultimately
lead to treason against his own father – King David.
Carnality is the Unsatisfied Beast
Why would Abshalom return David’s forgiveness and kindness
with treason? Sound familiar? Consider what happened to Lucifer at the
beginning – his treason and rebellion against YHVH. It would serve all of us well to consider how Yeshua’s (Jesus’) forgiveness and kindness is many
times returned by us in a form of treason. For example, when we want to take over and be
in control (not waiting on YHVH); when we are no longer willing to respect the authority
in our lives because of our own selfish desires (impatience, greed, thirst for
power, choosing a mate, etc.), don’t want to wait to on YHVH.
Too much self-love and pride proved to be major sins and character
flaws in Abshalom. Note 2 Samuel 14:25-26, we see the great adoration Abshalom
received from Isra’el because of his good looks. It is a warning to us to praise people’s outward
appearance should be tempered with wisdom
because typically, most can’t handle it and it goes to their head – so much so,
that they have a difficult time when others don’t continuously give them that
type of attention. It drives a need for more…carnality is never quenched.
Abshalom missed a very important lesson. It is clear he never embraced the wisdom of “Godliness with contentment is great gain.” (1 Timothy 6:6)
o
Abshalom’s treason-based practices continued for
the next 40 years - purely to steal the
hearts of the men of Israel. Doesn’t
sound like Abshalom understand that “Godliness with contentment is great
gain.” His soulish man wanted more power, more adoration…not being content
with godliness allows one’s carnal nature to be in control – carnality is never
satisfied.
o
With Abshalom’s dissatisfaction with his lot in
life – he left an opening for deceitfulness (see 2
Samuel 15:8-11)
o
He did go to “serve” YHVH. Note that the word “serve” is the Hebrew
word, “abad” (5647); and it means to be a worshipper, a bondservant, a slave,
to serve (see 2 Samuel 15:8)
o
He did become a worshipper because it is
confirmed in 2 Samuel 15:12. Yet we also
see that his worship was corrupt and profane, because he continued in his
rebellion against YHVH’s appointed authority, which also happened to be his father. His practice of dishonoring his father, King
David, would ultimately prove to be the foreshadowing of his days about to be
cut short, and things not going well with him.
When King David was fleeing, those loyal to him in truth
went with him. I say in truth, because
note Ittai the Gittite’s response (2 Samuel 15:19-21).
o
Ittai’s
response acknowledged the true and living Elohim. He had seen and known the Elohim of Israel to
be with them. He recognized truth and
victory and wanted that.
o This is also true for those who
follow and truly obey as Yeshua did. He
is YHVH’s Truth and in truth (the covenant of salvation in Yeshua), we have the
promise of victory.
o
Likewise,
those who love the false (lies & deceit) are operating in darkness (sin), which
leads to death and destruction.
Selah.
o
David also took with him the priest Zadok, ALL the Levites; and the Ark of the
Covenant of YHVH. (What do you take aside with you
when dealing with persecution? Habits or
Yeshua?)
o When
David makes his destination – the top of the mountain – he doesn’t beat his
chest in foolish pride, but instead, humbles himself and worships ELOHIM (see 2 Samuel 15:32). (Can this be said of us? (Do we acknowledge YHVH in All of our ways – so we
don’t lean/rely on our own understanding?)
o
In David’s worship, YHVH responds with more
provision - He provides David not only with strategies to know what to do, but
the resources to accomplish the strategy. (LIGHTBULB!!!) see 2 Samuel 15:25-37; and 16:1-2 (resources
to sustain David and his men)
The closer David
comes to dealing with the challenge at hand with his Son Abshalom, the more
distractions are being presented (spiritual warfare tactic of the Enemy). However, David’s response showed his
continued focus, reliance and hope on YHVH for deliverance. He picked and chose wisely his battles.
Read 2 Samuel
16:10-12.
However, YHVH does not
forget those who are diligently seeking Him, including those seeking Him regarding
their enemies. YHVH is seeking an opportune time to deal with those who are enemies to His people.
14 So
Absalom and all the men of Israel said, “The advice of Hushai the Archite is
better than the advice of Ahithophel.” For YHVH had purposed to defeat
the good advice of Ahithophel, to the intent that the YHVH might bring disaster on Absalom. (2 Samuel 17:14).
o
WARNING: Carnal spirits are drawn to bad advisors
and faulty counsel (see this in 2 Samuel 16:21-23).
o
Joab stuck with David (see
2 Samuel 18:2). It is important
to remember that Abshalom set his fields
on fire because he didn’t think Joab pushed hard enough initially for him to
get an audience with his father, David.
Also, Abshalom made the guy (Amasa) who slept with his sister’s daughter
the captain of his army instead of Joab (so much for gratitude – no loyalties to others just self – the sign
of a carnal-led mind (see 2 Samuel 17:25)
o
The irony of Abshalom’s death
is that his physical attribute that was seen as desireable (his hair) is the
thing that got caught in the tree brush and made him accessible to be killed (see 2 Samuel 18:9-15).
In
the end, it’s a sobering reminder to us to consider these key
points:
1. Understand that
our best / good intentions are not to always be acted upon – take counsel first
in prayer and the Word of ELOHIM.
2.
A carnal mind that has not surrendered to the
Torah will be drawn to unwise counsel -
it is a mind that has not wanted nor understood that “Godliness with
contentment is great gain.”
3.
There is great benefit to waiting on YHVH to
fight your battles, which means you’ve placed yourself in a place of
obedience.
4.
It is in obedience to YHVH that you will be able
to see and hear the Holy Spirit give you the strategies and instructions to go with the provisions made by YHVH to accomplish
His will, plan and purposes for your life.
Joab’s loyalties were based on the statutes
of the commandments…he did not allow his emotions from stopping him from the
doing the right thing. However, we have
on record of this particular instance of doing “his one right
thing” (when mixed with his emotions in trying to bridge the estrangement
between David & Abshalom) would ultimately put David’s life at risk, and
end Abshalom’s life.
Therefore, look
beyond and past your situations until your vision becomes locked and focused on
Yeshua, Your Redeemer, pray to Him and He will make intercession for you to the
Father in Heaven…your answer is never in your situations or circumstances…it is
always found beyond them…the great beyond is Our Father, who is in heaven, so
we should hallow His name because He is holy.
adonai hears and
answers the prayers of His people – it’s been guaranteed by and through Yeshua’s innocent shed blood
on our behalf.
Shalom to those near and to those far
off.
